Lesson 1. Computer Systems

Lesson Objective

Understand what a computer is.
Be able to define hardware.
Be able to define embedded system.
Be able to give examples of embedded systems.

Lesson Notes

Hardware?

Any physical component of a computer system.

Core Components

Hardware needed to run the core computer. Can be referred to as internal hardware components. List of these components below:

Motherboard
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Graphics Card (GPU)
Solid State Drive (SSD) and Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Fan
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Network Interface Card (NIC)

Peripheral Device

Addition hardware connected externally. Can be referred to as external hardware components. Peripheral devices can be categorised as:

Input Device - Hardware used to put data into a system.
Output Device - Hardware used to present data to a user.

Input Devices

Input devices are essential hardware components that allow users to interact with computers by providing data and control signals to the computer. Here are five common examples of input devices:

Keyboard
Mouse
Scanner
Microphone
Motion Sensor

Output Devices

Output devices play a crucial role in presenting information from a computer to the user. They take data processed by the computer and translate it into various forms, such as audio, visual, or printed output. Here are five common examples of output devices:

Monitor
Printer
Speaker
Headphones
Projector

What is a Computer?

The computer is a machine that processes data. The purpose of the computer is to take data, process it and the output it. Make tasks easier for human.

What is a Computer System?

A computer system consists of hardware and software that work together to process data or complete tasks.

Embedded Systems

Embedded systems are computers inside a larger system. They are Computers built into other devices. Examples:

Dishwashers
Microwaves
Television
Engine Management System
Fridge
Air-Con
Smart Watch
Home Alarm System

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